Ultrasonic Sensor Overhead Obstacle Avoidance System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstacle detection systems for large vehicles, such as trucks and tractor-trailer units, are either too expensive, difficult to use, or ineffective in preventing collisions with overhead obstacles like bridges and overpasses, leading to potential damage and injury.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance system equipped with an ultrasonic sensor and processor that measures the distance to overhead obstacles, calculates the vehicle's clearance based on its height, and alerts the operator with an alarm if the obstacle is too low, temporarily halting distance measurements to allow for safe passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collision avoidance system is implemented, then collision prevention capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with ultrasonic sensing technology. The ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves and measures the time for echo return to calculate distance, providing reliable collision detection data without requiring expensive mechanical measurement devices. This substitution maintains high reliability while reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic alarm activation and sensor deactivation features. When an overhead obstacle is detected and the alarm is triggered, the sensor automatically stops taking measurements for a predetermined period without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity and ensures consistent safety functionality.
2Measurement precision
If continuous distance measurements are taken, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement action by automatically deactivating the sensor for a predetermined period after alarm activation. Instead of continuous operation, the sensor takes measurements only when needed (when approaching potential obstacles) and remains inactive during safe periods. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption of the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents collisions by providing timely alerts and allowing operators to avoid overhead obstacles, reducing damage and risk to vehicles and pedestrians.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transducer mounted on a vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to measure the overhead distance between an obstacle above of the vehicle and the ultrasonic transducer itself
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic transducer is operative to measure the overhead distance between an obstacle above of the vehicle and the ultrasonic transducer itself
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular collision avoidance system includes a sensor mounted on a vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle. The processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.